Sugar Cravings?

mjshmily
mjshmily Posts: 137 Member
edited October 2 in Health and Weight Loss
My downfall....starchy sugar cravings. The feel good foods. The one cookie that inevitably ends up being 6 cookies. My lack of self control and will power. I pretty much have to avoid the treats all together or I sugar binge.

Does anyone have good tips for eliminating the craving for sugars, or ways to enjoy them in moderation?

Replies

  • nat102
    nat102 Posts: 118 Member
    wish i knew.. i'm the same way!

    bump
  • idiocracy
    idiocracy Posts: 275 Member
    don't have them in the house. less temptation and the thought of having to go buy them may eliminate the cravings. replace cookies with fruits.
  • H_Factor
    H_Factor Posts: 1,722 Member
    the nice thing about sugar cravings is that they go away when you avoid processed sugars. often will power is fighting a losing battle when the food you put in your body creates cravings for more food. this happens when you ingest processed sugar...and really, any food that is medium to high on the glycemic index. study the index and start eating carbs with a low GI number and your body will stop craving more sugar.
  • acrue21
    acrue21 Posts: 22 Member
    This is my downfall!! I LOVE cookies!!! It definelty takes some will power, i've found allowing myself one cookie helps, just one though. Try replacing all the cookies in your house with fruit with some kind of dip low in sugar. www.skinnytaste.com has some awesome recipes. Drink LOTS of water it helps
  • UrbanRunner81
    UrbanRunner81 Posts: 1,207 Member
    fruits help me. And I don't buy it. If it is in the house I will want to eat it.
  • H_Factor
    H_Factor Posts: 1,722 Member
    don't have them in the house. less temptation and the thought of having to go buy them may eliminate the cravings. replace cookies with fruits.

    I totally agree with this. there are a few items that I cannot keep in the house because I will give in, eat "a few", have cravings for more, and eat more. I mean, who can stop at only a few Cape Cod salt & vinegar chips (reduced fat version or not, I'm better off without them in the house).

    Most of the kids snacks don't tempt me so they don't have to miss out just because I avoid bringing a few things into the house.
  • tladame
    tladame Posts: 465 Member
    don't have them in the house. less temptation and the thought of having to go buy them may eliminate the cravings. replace cookies with fruits.

    ^^
    Yup. I just don't keep them in the house. It's funny, I don't really get bad cravings for sweets until I actually start eating them. Then I just want more!
  • stanchfielda
    stanchfielda Posts: 28
    I know how you feel girl! It is so hard--- once I start I can't stop! I bought some fresh strawberries and fat free whip cream- That is a nice refreshing sweet treat. And I also found some weight watchers ice cream candy bars. Those always completely satisfy me and I am never tempted to eat another one.

    Good luck! :-)
  • MIMITIME
    MIMITIME Posts: 405 Member
    Chobani fat free Strawberry Yougurt helps me sometimes. There are lots of strawberries on the bottom so when you mix it up, you to get some sweetness from the strawberries. Other times, I give in and immediately list it on my food chart then try to undo some of the damage with my other calories for the day.
  • dedication6
    dedication6 Posts: 184 Member
    Banana and glass of milk. The mix of potassuim and calcium helps cut the sugar cravings.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    Kashi makes some cookies that are very high fiber and therefore very filling but have a very chocolately taste. Honestly, one fills me up. I can't imagine eating many of them at once.

    I also like a handful of cocoa roasted almonds. They don't have a lot of sugar, but it's all on the outside so it tastes sweeter because the sugar hits your tongue first, and they are also filling so you don't need a lot to be satisfied.
  • vim_n_vigor
    vim_n_vigor Posts: 4,089 Member
    My downfall....starchy sugar cravings. The feel good foods. The one cookie that inevitably ends up being 6 cookies. My lack of self control and will power. I pretty much have to avoid the treats all together or I sugar binge.

    Does anyone have good tips for eliminating the craving for sugars, or ways to enjoy them in moderation?

    I know this isn't going to be the most popular answer, but, for me, to reduce those cravings, I completely cut them out of my diet - for a while. I don't believe in saying I will never eat something, but I do know that I need to clear my system and adjust to new types of food. It usually takes me a few months of cutting out the triggers before 'safely' adding them back into my diet. Good luck! It is different for everyone.
  • idiocracy
    idiocracy Posts: 275 Member
    Oh, I got another idea. If you DO buy the cookies, put them in ziplocks according to portion sizes. If 2 cookies is a portion size, then put 2 cookies inside. Then, write on the bag "Cookies, 250 calories/serving=30 minutes aerobics". Once you see that, it's less likely you will continue eating, if you actually visualize how much work it requires to "shed" the cookie.
  • akaChuck
    akaChuck Posts: 233 Member
    I'm really bad with sweets too. The best way for me to not have a bad binge session with them is to use the "out of sight, out of mind" theory. Even if they are in the office just walk away or keep your back to them-it works!
  • mjshmily
    mjshmily Posts: 137 Member
    I don't keep many in the house...just a few things to pack in kid lunches-usually homemade cereal bars etc.-It's tough to not eat the cookies or squares you made yourself!!

    I struggle when I get to work too and someone brought in the box of donuts or a plate of cookies. Someone suggested when a sugar craving hits to eat or drink something that definately wouldn't go with sugar (like pickles) and that can sometimes end the craving.

    But some good suggestions. Thanks!
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    I know this isn't going to be the most popular answer, but, for me, to reduce those cravings, I completely cut them out of my diet - for a while. I don't believe in saying I will never eat something, but I do know that I need to clear my system and adjust to new types of food. It usually takes me a few months of cutting out the triggers before 'safely' adding them back into my diet. Good luck! It is different for everyone.

    I agree with this. If you really want to gid rid of sugar cravings, cold turkey is the way. I used to eat a lot of baked desserts and cookies were my favorite. Then I went on a macrobiotic diet for a while, which recommends little to no sugar and only natural sugars (molasses, which I hate, natural syrups, honey) when you have them. Like most people who start a really strict diet, I didn't stick with it forever, but after months without sugar I found that I didn't crave it anymore. And when I do eat it, I can't eat much without feeling sugar overload.
  • pettmybunny
    pettmybunny Posts: 1,986 Member
    don't have them in the house. less temptation and the thought of having to go buy them may eliminate the cravings. replace cookies with fruits.

    I wish I could do that! I have a home based cake and cupcake business. I always have tubs of frosting, scraps (to be turned into cake truffles/cake pops), assorted chocolates etc. in my house.

    One thing that I find helps me is to have a very minty (peppermint, strong spearmint) gum in the house. If I have a sweet craving, I chew the heck out of that gum. And replace it often! If I decide I want a spoonful of frosting, and I spit out that gum, the frosting tastes nasty! Kind of the same principal of brushing your teeth, but lasts longer :)
  • mjshmily
    mjshmily Posts: 137 Member
    Oh, I got another idea. If you DO buy the cookies, put them in ziplocks according to portion sizes. If 2 cookies is a portion size, then put 2 cookies inside. Then, write on the bag "Cookies, 250 calories/serving=30 minutes aerobics". Once you see that, it's less likely you will continue eating, if you actually visualize how much work it requires to "shed" the cookie.

    I like this idea. Sometimes I have to really keep my focus on the goal. I could eat a yogurt for 35 calories and not have spend my day hungry if I stay within my caloric goal. But stopping and thinking about it makes a huge difference rather than impulsively eating it. What I need to do is make a chart that compares the calories in the different tempting snack stuff so I really have to think about if that cookie/donut/entire cheesecake :ohwell: is worth it to me.
  • kducky22
    kducky22 Posts: 276 Member
    I buy those skinny cow 80-120 calorie icecream bars (depending on the flavor -- mint chocolate being my fav :love: ). I don't have too many sugar cravings, but when I do, these are perfect and don't kill whatever good eating or excercise I've done for the day.
  • LycosNyctereutes
    LycosNyctereutes Posts: 61
    This may not help most people, but when I found out I am type 2 diabetic and started taking medicine for it, my sugar cravings almost completely disappeared. If you have INSANE, insatiable sugar cravings, you should have your glucose and insulin levels checked. I used to literally feel a "switch" in my brain get turned on by eating sugar. I felt a flood of endorphines like a big bong-hit (ok, so I wouldn't know exactly...) whenever I put ice cream in my mouth.
    I tried a tiny slice (1/2" thick) of birthday cake the other day, it did not flip my "switch" and it made me soooo sick from the sugar spike and crash. I will not do that again, it was not worth it. If you are truly addicted to sweets, check out Insulin Resistance.
  • shariguymon
    shariguymon Posts: 245 Member
    There are so many good suggestions here....I cut out sugar, and now mostly have fruit and natural sugars...I do have some desserts on occasion, but never much....I never have cravings anymore unless I start having desserts more frequently...........less sugar begats less cravings.....you have to learn your level of tolerance before cravings start......cold turkey can end cravings and frequency and portion control after that.....It's an absolutely wonderful feeling to be free of cravings and be in control and have that occasional treat without going bonkers!!!!!!!!desserts often can carry a double whammy where you might be craving the fat as well.........The only things I know that cause cravings are salt, sugar, and fat.....The same principle applies with fat and salt as with sugar.....I don't know how to tell you how wonderful it feels to be rid of the cravings, but it is totally amazing.....cravings are caused by hormonal triggers in the body, not lack of will power.....once you learn to work with your body and find your tolerance levels....You can definitely gain total control.!!!!!!
  • jjs22
    jjs22 Posts: 156
    Lots of good ideas here so far. I hope some of them help you.

    I was lucky in that I didn't have strong sugar or carbs cravings, so I was able to cut them way back without any real willpower. (I don't do so good when it comes to the big "W".) And I really did discover that when you eliminate (or cut way back on ) sugar and refined carbs, they just don't seem as necessary. And I grew up in a house where my live-in grandma would bake double-batches of chocolate chip cookies 3 times a week. The jar was perpetually overflowing with sugar AND love.

    One big change that I've made in my diet that may help you. Apples. I eat one every day for breakfast. One every day after lunch. And often have one in the evening if I want something sweet. Yes, apples do have sugar in them. But there's a lot of bulk, and lots of fiber so that it takes a long for your body to digest its way through the crunchyness to get to the tiny droplets of sugar.

    Just as one person suggested re-packaging your cookies and labelling the calories in each serving, you may want to compare cookies to apples. Maybe you can make a rule : if you eat X calories of cookies, then you absolutely cannot eat another one until you have eaten X calories of apples. Even a lame-*kitten* rookie can snarf down 300 calories of cookies without batting an eye. But have you ever seen anybody eat more than 300 calories worth of fresh apples in one go? Not me.
  • muitobem
    muitobem Posts: 436 Member
    QUOTE:

    don't have them in the house. less temptation and the thought of having to go buy them may eliminate the cravings. replace cookies with fruits.


    I totally agree with this. there are a few items that I cannot keep in the house because I will give in, eat "a few", have cravings for more, and eat more. I mean, who can stop at only a few Cape Cod salt & vinegar chips (reduced fat version or not, I'm better off without them in the house).

    Most of the kids snacks don't tempt me so they don't have to miss out just because I avoid bringing a few things into the house.

    (You are so right about this!! Cape Cod salt & Vinegar chips, I can eat the whole bag! SO...i don't have them in the house...I try to keep protein bars and other types of alternatives to anything that I might want pig out on! Also, tis true, the more processed you eat, the more you want!)
  • moondust7
    moondust7 Posts: 109 Member
    all really great tips!! Fruit definitely helps me - sometimes it can be so sweet it almost tastes like candy. Another thing I do: if you absolutely have to have something, allow yourself a very small portion, and buy things that are very small, like 1-2 Hershey's kisses, or a square of chocolate. If I'm really craving something sweet, a small amount will satisfy my craving, and I don't feel so starved for it. If I try to completely eliminate it, that just doesn't work for me. That small of an amount does not hurt my diet, and I can move on. But, you have to make sure you only have a very small portion of the sweets.
  • GMarieRN
    GMarieRN Posts: 2
    I too have the same problem. And as others have said, I just cannot have them in the house. What I do enjoy when I want a sweet and/or chocolately treat is eat a Jello pudding snack (these are in the refrigerated case at the grocery). They have some sugar free ones (60 calories) that are chocolate/vanilla, caramel flavored (and possibly some other flavors too). Then they have some that are about 120-130 calories - Oreo flavored (I think) and strawberry cheesecake flavored. I usually shy away from "sugar free" snacks b/c they don't taste like the real thing. But I have found that these are really good!! So, I keep them on hand and when I am craving something sweet I try to satisfy that craving with ONE of these. They don't seem to create the urge to eat the whole 6-pack either - like eating one cookie makes some of us want to finish the entire package!! They are small, but they seem to do the trick for me -- plus they have a little calcium in them and us girls are always needing our calcium!
  • Black_Swan
    Black_Swan Posts: 770 Member
    I used to pick one day, then after the weight loss was harder only one MEAL in a WEEK when I could eat anything. And I would eat it. And then continue being good all week.
    Also, waaaaaaaaaaaater....
  • vannie18
    vannie18 Posts: 55
    My downfall....starchy sugar cravings. The feel good foods. The one cookie that inevitably ends up being 6 cookies. My lack of self control and will power. I pretty much have to avoid the treats all together or I sugar binge.

    Does anyone have good tips for eliminating the craving for sugars, or ways to enjoy them in moderation?

    I know this isn't going to be the most popular answer, but, for me, to reduce those cravings, I completely cut them out of my diet - for a while. I don't believe in saying I will never eat something, but I do know that I need to clear my system and adjust to new types of food. It usually takes me a few months of cutting out the triggers before 'safely' adding them back into my diet. Good luck! It is different for everyone.

    I do the same thing.
  • vannie18
    vannie18 Posts: 55
    Oh, I got another idea. If you DO buy the cookies, put them in ziplocks according to portion sizes. If 2 cookies is a portion size, then put 2 cookies inside. Then, write on the bag "Cookies, 250 calories/serving=30 minutes aerobics". Once you see that, it's less likely you will continue eating, if you actually visualize how much work it requires to "shed" the cookie.


    :wink: I like your idea!!
  • incfighters
    incfighters Posts: 18 Member
    I have baked goods/sugar cravings all the time.. and i know that fruit just doesn't always fulfill that chocolatey or sugary grain craving. I recommend low cal/low fat ice cream (breyer's/skinny cow ice cream sandwiches, or some 100 cal ice cream, and measure out portions for that). i also go for low cal or healtheir cereals* with milk (more filling and satisfying for less calories!)

    *my new favorite cereal is Open Nature Sweet Medley (toffee flavored clusters with flakes, almonds, brazil nuts, and pecans) this is about 250 cals per serving, put I do about 1/2 a serving and mix it with some 90cal bran flakes. so filling and delicious!
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